LAMs

There is unfortunately a great deal of misinformation floating around, so I'll try to clarify what it is and how it will affect both current and new riders.

So what is LAMs?
The proposed Queensland system will be based on the guidelines used in NSW, being a maximum capacity of 660ml and a power to weight ratio of no greater than 150 kilowatts per tonne. The proposed system also allows for 90 kilograms on top of the bikes dry weight for fluids and the rider, and this is where it becomes confusing.
In everyday terms it will allow bikes up to 660ml as long as they are fairly mellow in their power delivery. High performance two stroke 250's and 4 cylinder 600 sports bikes will not be approved.
Queensland's list has not been finalised as yet but theoretically will be the same as NSW, when Queensland's list is finalised it will be available on their website, www.transport.qld.gov.au .
A list of what is approved in NSW is on the Roads & Traffic Authority's website www.rta.nsw.gov.au .
Queensland transport will issue new registration labels for all approved machines, so it will be easy to identify if a given bike is approved. I spoke to a client who unfortunately has bought a CBR 600 as a LAMs bike, he was assured by the seller that it would be approved, so check the websites before buying.

How does it affect you?
The LAMs system will replace the current 250ml restriction applied to RE class riders.
If you currently hold an RE class licence it is easy, when the changes come in you may ride the approved bikes, you don't have to do anything. This again is a point of misunderstanding, some people have been told they need to be reassessed, this is not so.
If you obtain your RE licence between now and the implementation date of first of July, again you automatically may ride the approved bikes from that date onwards, therefore there is no need to wait to get your licence as some people have been advised.
If you obtain your RE class licence after the first of July you may however be involved in the graduated licence system which has a three year provisional licence and therefore three years before you may obtain an R class licence, this is only proposed at this point, but will happen soon.
Not a lot has been said about the graduated licence system, but it is being implemented in NSW and will be implemented in Queensland sooner or later.

Is the system good for riders?
I believe so. It offers greater choice.
Some riders have requirements for a range of reasons that are not catered for in the current system.
We recently had a client who was huge, weighed 120 kilograms, all muscle and the CB 250 he had was struggling, great bike but not really suitable.
Riders living in regional areas, or those who wish to go touring, will also have more appropriate choices available to them.
I hope this has helped, enjoy your new options.

Max Thompson Queensland Manager